New Haven DUI Lawyer

Driving Under the Influence (“DUI”) is an incredibly common charge seen by New Haven defense attorneys. Unlike other charges, being arrested for DUI requires you to then comply with not only the courts but with the Department of Motor Vehicles. Upon conviction you could be sentenced to jail, have heavy fines assessed, and be placed on probation. Upon simply being arrested, you can have your license suspended and be required to use an ignition interlock device.

This is a serious charge with severe repercussions, and it is not a type of criminal case one should attempt to handle without the assistance of an experienced criminal defense attorney. Luckily, retaining and working closely with a New Haven DUI lawyer from Mark Sherman Law can provide crucial support during this challenging time and in certain circumstances even help you avoid a conviction.

What Counts as a DUI?

Connecticut is an “impairment” state, which means that even if you take a breath test and your results are below the legal limit of 0.08 percent, you can be arrested for DUI. Additionally, refusing the breath test (or blood or urine) could result in an arrest for DUI. Finally, of course results above the legal limit of 0.08 can result in an arrest.

Some may not realize, that DUIs are not synonymous with alcohol. Driving while impaired by illegal drugs, marijuana, and even prescription medication can lead to an arrest.

Police will often ask you to complete a series of Standardized Field Sobriety Tests, participate in an alcohol content test (breath, blood, or urine), and answer a series of questions. This can be intimidating, but know you have the right to consult with an attorney.

Options for Contesting a DUI Charge

Even if a DUI arrest is based on a breathalyzer result or other chemical test, these results can be contested in court under certain conditions. If the tests were performed incorrectly, unlawfully, or in a manner that contaminated the results, a skilled DUI defense lawyer in New Haven can potentially help have that evidence declared inadmissible. The same applies to improperly conducted field sobriety tests and unlawful traffic stops.

In some cases, accepting responsibility for a DUI offense while negotiating for alternative sanctions may be the best approach. For first-time offenders, courts may be open to suspending criminal prosecution and conviction in exchange for completing an alcohol treatment and rehabilitation program.

What Can I Expect if I’m Convicted?

A first-time offender convicted of DUI can face penalties including a one-year driver’s license suspension, $500 to $1,000 in fines, and a maximum six-month jail term. This may include a mandatory minimum of 48 hours of jail time or a suspended sentence contingent upon completing 100 community service hours. Furthermore, repeat offenders are subject to increasingly severe penalties, making it essential to have experienced legal support from a capable New Haven DUI attorney.

Discuss Your Legal Options With a New Haven DUI Attorney Today

Connecticut takes drunk driving very seriously, and state criminal courts usually prosecute DUI cases harshly. However, it is possible to effectively challenge these allegations, particularly if one had no existing criminal record at the time of the DUI arrest.

Support from a seasoned New Haven DUI lawyer can significantly influence the outcome of legal proceedings and whether they conclude favorably. To explore your options and receive trusted guidance, call Mark Sherman Law today to schedule a consultation, and click here to read some of the hundreds of certified reviews from satisfied past clients on Avvo.com.